Twitter has announced that it will begin charging its users for two-factor authentication (2FA) via text message, a move that has been criticized as a potential deterrent to the use of this essential security feature. The fee will apply only to users of Twitter Blue, the platform’s top-tier account that was launched in December 2021. Non-Blue users will no longer be able to use text messages as a 2FA method after March 20, and those who have it enabled will have it disabled.
Twitter has cited concerns over the security of phone number-based 2FAs, which it claims are “used and abused by bad actors”. However, many users have argued that the new fee is an unwelcome and unnecessary burden, particularly for those who rely on text message verification as their primary 2FA method.
Two-factor authentication is a security measure that requires two forms of identification to access user accounts. While it is widely considered to be a reliable method of safeguarding against account breaches, its adoption can be hindered by complex setup procedures and the perceived inconvenience of entering additional verification codes.
Twitter Blue is the platform’s premium service that offers subscribers a range of exclusive features, including the coveted blue check mark verification badge and access to 4,000-character tweets. The service was initially free for verified accounts of celebrities, politicians, journalists, and other public figures but has since been made available to anyone willing to pay the monthly subscription fee, which starts at $8.
Twitter’s decision to introduce the new fee is part of a broader strategy to increase revenue and attract new subscribers. CEO Elon Musk has previously stated that the company was losing $4 million per day and set a goal of boosting its revenue to $26.4 billion by 2028. It remains to be seen whether the new fee will achieve this goal or whether it will have a negative impact on user adoption of two-factor authentication on the platform.
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